Ms O’CONNOR – Thank you. Minister, the House has now before it the TASCAT additional jurisdictions bill of 2024 and it went through a consultation process. We were glad that your office was amenable to our suggested changes that would’ve led to a significant reach potentially of government policy considerations in TASCAT hearings and determinations. But the bill brought a whole lot of extra responsibilities, including the health complaints, property agents under the TASCAT – auspices of TASCAT. Do you know why the Tasmanian Racing Appeals Board was one of the very few entities not to be brought over under TASCAT’s new arrangements? Because we understand or we were advised that it was initially considered and then decided not to.
Mr BARNETT – Thank you for the question. I am not aware of the reason why.
Ms O’CONNOR – Okay. Thank you, minister. I also note that the Legal Professional Disciplinary Tribunal has declined an opportunity to come under TASCAT’s jurisdiction. It does seem that, I mean, I guess there’s an argument for the Legal Professional Tribunal to keep it in‑house, but there’s also an argument for it not to be. But do you agree the Tasmanian Racing Appeals Board, being able to challenge their determinations, is something that would fit under the new arrangements for TASCAT?
Mr BARNETT – Thank you very much for the question. I’d have to take advice on that, and I’ll just check with the acting secretary if she has any further advice.
Ms BOURNE – Nothing in particular, Attorney-General, other than, as has been alluded to, the consultation process and the work in terms of tranching the jurisdictions to come across to TASCAT has been very comprehensive and also very conscious of the need to manage the passage of new jurisdictions to the tribunal so that it can accommodate particular new streams and adjust either its membership of sessional members and registry staff to accommodate.
Ms O’CONNOR – Yes. Thank you. No, that’s fine. Can I maybe put on notice why was the Tasmanian Racing Appeals Board not brought under the TASCAT new administration?
Mr BARNETT – Okay.
Ms O’CONNOR – Thank you, minister. That’s it from me, Chair.
